Incinerating commode

ABSTRACT

An improved incinerating commode for the disposal of human waste through injection of a combustible fluid into the chamber where the waste is incinerated, separation of the urine component from the fecal component of human waste, and use of the urine component mixed with a cleaning fluid to steam clean and cool the chamber that incinerates the waste.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for use in disposing ofhuman waste and is more particularly concerned with a commode capable ofincinerating waste.

[0002] In the field of human waste disposal, a number of methods havebeen employed for disposing of the solid and liquid waste. Commonly,sewage treatment plants are provided which are connected via sewagepipelines to domestic and commercial facilities. As population hasincreased, the capabilities of the sewage treatment plants have beenseverely strained. In remote areas where sewage treatment facilities arenot available, septic tank means are often employed to dispose of thehuman waste. A septic tank utilizes bacterial action in the tank todispose of solid waste and utilizes a subterranean drainage field fordisposing of the liquid waste. However, in certain areas where the soilconditions are not satisfactory, utilization of septic tanks createsunhealthy conditions in their use. A number of municipalities haveadopted strict codes to regulate the use of septic tanks.

[0003] In remote areas where a sewage treatment facility is notavailable and wherein septic tanks are not feasible, oxidation ponds areemployed to dispose of human waste. In utilizing oxidation ponds, afungus is utilized to dispose of the solid waste with the liquid wastebeing disposed of through evaporation or surface drainage means. The useof oxidation ponds requires a large ground area and is unattractive inappearance.

[0004] A number of attempts have been made to devise chemical andincinerating commode facilities for use in disposing of human waste.However, the prior art chemical and incinerating human waste disposalapparatuses are extremely complex in construction and operation,uneconomical to manufacture and unreliable in performance. A primarydisadvantage of prior art incinerating commodes is the cyclic timerequired to complete an incinerating operation and cool the commode foruse.

[0005] The inventor has personally worked over twenty years in devisingimprovements in incinerating commodes. The inventor has received U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,816,857; 3,885,254; 3,885,645; and 3,911,506 eachencompassing improvements in incinerating commode technology and eachare herein incorporated by reference. However, while these priorcommodes worked for their intended purpose, the cycle time, heat ofcombustion, and cleaning of the commode bowl all could be improved. Theinventor has worked diligently in producing an economical andoperational feasible incinerating commode.

[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providean incinerating commode which has an improved cycle time for theincineration of the waste.

[0007] Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerationcommode that uses a combustible fluid to improve the efficiency of theincineration of human waste.

[0008] Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerationcommode that separates the urine component from the fecal component ofhuman waste to cause the fecal component to burn more efficiently.

[0009] Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerationcommode that uses the separated urine component mixed with a cleaningfluid to cool and steam clean the chamber in which the fecal componentis incinerated.

[0010] Additionally, it is an object of the present invention toregulate the burn of the fecal matter to ensure a quick and even burn,hence decreasing the burn cycle time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention contemplates a novel and improved commodefor the incineration of human waste. The present invention is improvedover prior art incinerating commodes by the utilization of at least oneof the following or a combination thereof: injecting a combustible fluidinto the chamber where the waste is incinerated; separating the urinecomponent from the fecal component of human waste; or maintaining aconstant air pressure within the fecal matter burn chamber to ensure aquick and even burn of the fecal matter.

[0012] In one embodiment, a combustible fluid is injected into thechamber that burns the waste. This combustible fluid mixed with thewaste burns more efficiently because the combustible fluid decreases theamount of time needed to incinerate the waste. The invention furthercontemplates separating the urine and fecal components of human waste.Since the urine component of human waste inhibits the incineration ofthe fecal component, the efficiency of the incineration process isincreased when the urine component is removed.

[0013] In addition to increasing the efficiency of the incinerationprocess, separating the urine component has the added advantage ofproviding a fluid that can be used to cool the chamber in which thefecal component is incinerated and also utilizes the urine whichotherwise would require burning. The urine component mixed with acleaning fluid can be sprayed onto the incineration chamber to steamclean and cool the chamber. This process reduces the amount of time inwhich the commode cannot be used due to the heat associated with theincineration process.

[0014] In another embodiment a counter-balance grate controls the amountof air pressure within the fecal matter burn chamber to ensure a quickand even burn of the fecal matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The construction designed to carry out the invention willhereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. Theinvention will be more readily understood from a reading of thefollowing specification and by reference to the accompanying drawingsforming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown andwherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a cut-view of the incinerating commode according to thepresent invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective of the incinerating commode according tothe present invention for incinerating fecal matter.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective of the combustion chamber according to thepresent invention.

[0019]FIG. 4 illustrates a pre-heating element in conjunction with thecombustion chamber.

[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates the venting system of the incinerating commodeaccording to the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, as can be seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, an incinerating commode 10 capable of disposing of humanwaste is shown according to one presently preferred embodiment of theinvention. In a first embodiment, the incinerating commode 10 consistsof a commode body 20 which defines a commode interior 25. A combustionchamber 30 is disposed in communication with the commode interior 25 forreceiving a fecal component of said human waste. A combustible fluidsystem 32 provides combustible fluid to the combustion chamber 30 forintermixing with the fecal component.

[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the commode body 20 has a bottomopening which communicates with combustion chamber 30. A conventionalseat element 23 is carried by the commode body 20. The commode seat 23is pivotally supported on the commode body 20 . A pressure sensitivebutton 24 is located beneath commode seat 23 for activating apre-heating element hereinafter described, a vacuum system hereinafterdescribed, and a bowl cleaning system hereinafter described.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the combustion chamber 30 isdefined by sidewalls and bottom wall 33, and a lid 34. Combustionchamber lid 34 is connected to commode lid 35 such that combustionchamber lid 34 is closed when commode lid 35 is positioned downward.Combustion chamber lid 34 provides an airtight seal when in a closedposition providing for a secure combustion chamber. In the preferredembodiment, chamber lid 34 includes offset tines 37 for pushing toilettissue into the combustion chamber. Offsetting meshers 31 and 33 areprovided within the combustion chamber. Meshers 31 and 33 are eachprovided with a motor driven solenoid for moving the meshers inwardlyinto substantial abutting contact with each other and then advancelaterally outward to a position adjacent to the sidewalls. During theinward movement of the meshers, trapped material is broken up intosmaller pieces. Smaller pieces of waste are incinerated moreefficiently.

[0024] The combustion chamber lid 34 is pivotally connected to thecombustion chamber 30 and supports movement from an open position to aclosed position. In the open position, waste and paper can betransferred into the combustion chamber 30 and movement of thecombustion chamber lid 34 seals the combustion chamber for theincineration process to occur.

[0025] The combustible fluid system includes a combustible fluid housing40 which stores a combustible fluid. The combustible fluid housing 40 isin fluid communication with the combustible fluid injector 50 by a fuelconduit, which in one embodiment is a flexible fuel line. Thecombustible fluid housing 40 has a pump disposed within for transferringthe combustible fluid from the combustible fluid housing to thecombustible fluid injector 50. The pump includes a conventionalelectrical motor for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid inresponse to each cyclic operation. The combustible fluid housing ispreferably located behind the commode body 20 to separate it from theincineration process.

[0026] The injection of combustible fluid into the combustion chamber isallowed when combustion chamber lid 34 is closed. The combustible fluidinjector 50 injects a set quantity of combustible fluid into thecombustion chamber 30. In the preferred embodiment, this amount is setat two ounces, but this amount can be adjusted by adjusting the pumpinside the combustible fluid housing 40 depending on the amount of fecalcomponent that needs to be incinerated.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the combustion chamber 30 is providedwith a heat source 60 for incinerating the fecal component of humanwaste. In the preferred embodiment, this heat source 60 is a pair of gasburning torches. The gas burning torches are supplied with a gas andpressurized air mixture by a fuel conduit 61. Fuel conduit 61 carriesfuel received from a gas source which is intermixed with air via blowers63. Blowers 63 receive air from the outside environment. The gas burningtorches 60 also include a conventional spark igniter. The gas burningtorches can be manually activated or electronically activated after thelid is closed. In the preferred embodiment, the two gas torches areoffset from one another with their respective nozzles located betweenthe meshers 30 and 31 so as to define a gas burning area whichencompasses the area between the meshers within the burn chamber. It hasbeen found that two gas blow torches operate effectively and efficientlyto burn the fecal matter within the burn chamber. The combustion chamberis enclosed in a housing with air around it to keep the heat within thecombustion chamber and away from the user.

[0028] To maintain a cool temperature around the combustion chamber 30,air is circulate around the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber30 is carried within an external housing 65 creating a space between thecombustion chamber and external housing for airflow to circulate aroundthe combustion chamber. Cooling air is provided via blower 66 whichutilizes air lines 100 and 102 for blowing air around the combustionchamber. Blower 66 receives air from the outside environment.

[0029] In addition to gas burning torches for incinerating the fecalcomponent of human waste, as shown in FIG. 4, an additional heat source70 may be located beneath the combustion chamber 30 to preheat thecombustion chamber prior to the incineration process. Preheating thecombustion chamber allows for the gas burning torches to burn the fecalcomponent more efficiently because less energy is wasted heating thecombustion chamber. In the preferred embodiment, this heat source 70 isan electric heat plate located directly beneath and in contact with thebottom wall of the combustion chamber.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the rear of combustion chamber 30 isopen to communicate with flue 72 which communicates with a vent eitherto the ambient environment or to a fire proof bag. When the combustionchamber is closed, the heat produced from the gas burning torches, willburn the fecal matter producing ash. A valve 126 operates to communicateflue 72 with the fire-proof bag directing the ash to the fire proof bagwhen the incineration phase of the incinerating commode has beencompleted.

[0031] The control burn of the fecal matter is controlled by a damper74. As shown in FIG. 3, damper 74 is disposed between combustion chamber70 and flue 72. Preferably, damper 74 is carried by the back wall ofcombustion chamber 30. Damper 74 includes a plurality of offset tineswhich defines a plurality of air channels for restricting the flow ofair and ash through flue 72. Preferably, the times are offset by aneighth of an inch. Preferably, damper 74 is cantileverly balanced formaintaining a certain air pressure within the combustion chamber.Initially, when the burning process is initiated, the damper restrictsthe air within the burning chamber enabling the combustion chamber to beheated within a short period of time. This also subjects the fecalmatter to the full heat produced from the gas torches. The velocity ofthe flames from the gas torches and the turbulence created therein,would normally carry some of the fecal matter through the flue prior tobeing incinerated. This is an undesired result and the damper maintainsthe fecal matter and most of the hot air within the combustion chamber.Accordingly, while not only is the fecal material maintained within thecombustion chamber until incinerated, turbulence is created. Thisturbulence also assists in burning the fecal material thoroughly. Also,as the fecal matter is burned, less pressure exists within thecombustion chamber, accordingly, the counter-balanced damper willautomatically rotate in a position to further restrict the passage tothe flue and hence maintain the pressure within the combustion chamberto a predetermined pressure. This ensures an even and controlled burn.

[0032] These torches may be manually engaged, or timed. The preferredburn time is one and a half minutes. A timer will turn the blow torchesoff after the desired burn time.

[0033] While the fecal material is being incinerated, meshers 30 and 31are continuously oscillating within the burning chamber breaking thesolid fecal matter into smaller components. To facilitate in theburning, a combustible fluid is injected into the burning chamber priorto the ignition of the gas torches. This combustible fluid is intermixedwith the solid fecal material by meshers 30 and 31. Preferably, betweentwo ounces of combustible fluid is intermixed with the fecal matter.After a pre-determined time of fecal matter preparation, the gas torchesare ignited initiating the burning process. As the fecal matter isincinerated into ash, the air pressure within the chamber lessens,requiring the damper to minimize the flue opening which communicateswith the burning chamber. This process maintains the heat within theburning chamber ensuring that all of the fecal matter is incinerated. Avacuum acts to draw the odors from the combustion chamber and the ashthrough the flue. The ash is collected in a fire-proof bag. A seconddamper regulates the interaction between the vacuum and the exhaust ventfor drawing the odors and ash through the flue depending on which phaseof operation the incinerating commode is undergoing, i.e., collection offecal matter, burning of fecal matter, or steam cleaning of thecombustion chamber.

[0034] The operation of the vacuum system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5.Vacuum 102 is utilized for two primary functions. First, vacuum 102draws the odor away from the incinerating combustion chamber via odorcontrol system 104. Odor control system 104 includes vacuum 102 whichinterconnects with flue 72 via vacuum odor horn 106 and vacuum odorconduit 109. Odor control valve 108, which is preferably a butterflyvalve, opens the vacuum passage between the vacuum and vacuum odor hornfrom a range of 100%-10% depending on the operation of the incineratingsystem. The odor control valve is fully open when the combustion chamberis not incinerating the fecal matter. Odor is drawn from the open backof the combustion chamber through the flue, through the vacuum odorhorn, through the vacuum odor conduit and ultimately to the vacuum.

[0035] When the incineration process is undergoing within the combustionchamber, flue 72 is open to the ambient environment via flue damper 110.This enables the heat and flames within the combustion chamber to ventto the ambient environment via vent 112. When the incineration processis ongoing, the odor control valve partially closes so that the vacuumdoes not interfere with the combustion process and also enables the heatand flames to vent outside and not into the vacuum.

[0036] After the combustion process is completed, the vacuum draws theincinerated fecal matter ash from the combustion chamber to the vacuumthrough ash removal system 120. Ash removal system 120 includes a vacuumash horn 122 and vacuum ash conduit 124. Ash control valve 126, which ispreferably a butterfly valve, opens the vacuum passage between thevacuum and vacuum ash horn from a range of 100%-0% depending on theoperation of the incinerating system. The ash control valve 126 isinterconnected with flue damper 110 via linkage 128 which is operated bya solenoid.

[0037] In operation, when the combustion chamber is incinerating fecalmatter, flue damper 110 is opened such that the heat and flames of theincineration process are communicating outward of the flue exit port. Inthis position, ash control valve 126 is closed. When the incinerationprocess is completed, flue damper 110 closes the flue exit and opens thepassageway to communicate the flue with vacuum ash horn 122. Linkage 128simultaneously opens ash control valve 126 such that the vacuum pullsthe ash from the combustion chamber through the ash removal system intothe vacuum. While the ash removal process is undergoing, the odorcontrol valve is open 10% for continuously removing odors from thecombustion chamber while still enabling most of the vacuum to befunctioning for ash removal.

[0038] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, a urine collector 80 is carriedby the front wall of the commode interior and protrudes into the commodeinterior 25 to provide a separate receptacle for collecting the urinecomponent of human waste. The urine collector 80 has downwardlyconverging sidewalls. The bottom edges of the urine collector walls arein fluid connection with a urine conduit 85 , which transfers the urinecomponent to a urine container 90. The urine component is separated fromthe fecal component to promote more efficient incineration of the fecalcomponent.

[0039] Alternatively, instead of having the urine collector 80 beingattached to the front wall of the commode interior 26 , the commode body20 could consist of two separate compartments, wherein one compartmentwould have the same general characteristics as the urine collector 80described hereinabove.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, a cleaning agent which is preferably chlorineis stored within tank 92. The chlorine is used to spray the interior ofthe commode body during use by an individual. The spray nozzles 94 arelocated underneath the rim of the toilet seat and spray downwards. Thechlorine is collected in the urine collector 80 and in the combustionchamber and is intermixed with the fecal matter by the meshers. Theaddition of chlorine and combustion fluid to the fecal matter assists inbreaking up the fecal matter which facilities in a clean burn.

[0041] As additionally shown in FIG. 2, the preferred embodimentutilizes the separately collected urine as a cooling system for coolingand cleaning the interior of the commode. The cleaning agent is gravityfed to urine container 90 through the urine collector 80 for intermixingwith the urine. The chlorine/urine mixture is pumped through cleaningfluid line 94 which interconnects with the gas lines at the distal endof the gas lines 61 for atomizing the cleaning mixture into the interiorof the combustion chamber.

[0042] After the incineration phase has occurred, the transmission ofcombustible gas through gas lines 61 is terminated while the air fromblowers 63 continues through lines 61. The result is that thechlorine/urine mixture is blown into the combustion chamber underpressure enabling the chlorine/urine mixture to be dispersed throughoutthe interior of the combustion chamber. Consequently, the hot surfacetemperature of the interior of the combustion chamber reacts with thechlorine/urine mixture producing a steam cleaning effect. The additionof the chlorine to the urine eliminates any odor caused by the urinebeing used as a steam cleaning agent.

[0043] A timer controls the operation of the cleaning cycle. Preferably,the burn cycle time is one and a half minutes. After the burn cycletime, the timer controls the dispersion of the cleaning fluid into thehot combustion chamber. The cleaning fluid of urine and preferablychlorine is presented to the combustion chamber for another minuteresulting in the combustion chamber being steam cleaned and cooled.

[0044] In operation it is preferred that the commode is vented to theexterior of the corresponding water closet and outside. Such ventingprevents the commode from drawing air from the immediate vicinity whichwould result in a drop in ambient temperature from the removal of theambient air to the environment.

[0045] In operation, the total operation time is preferably threeminutes. This operation includes, preparing the fecal matter for burningby injecting a combustible fluid, and preheating the burning chamber;the burning of the fecal matter; and finally the steam cleaning of theburning chamber. By removing the urine from the fecal matter, injectinga combustible fluid which is intermixed with the fecal matter, utilizinga venting gate, utilizing two gas torches, the burn time and cost ofburning the fecal matter is greatly reduced from prior incineratingcommodes.

What is claimed is:
 1. An incinerating commode for use in the disposingof human waste, said incinerating commode comprising: a commode bodydefining a commode interior; a combustion chamber in communication withsaid commode interior for receiving a fecal component of human waste;combustible fluid housing storing a combustible fluid; a fluid injectorin communication with said combustible fluid housing for injecting saidcombustible fluid into said combustion chamber, and a first heat sourcefor igniting said combustible fluid.
 2. The incinerating commode ofclaim 1 wherein said combustible fluid housing is in fluid communicationwith a fuel conduit for communicating said combustible fluid betweensaid combustible fluid housing and said combustible fluid injector. 3.The incinerating commode of claim 1 including a first pump for enablingsaid combustible fluid to be transferred from said combustible fluidhousing to said combustible fluid injector.
 4. The incinerating commodeof claim 1 wherein two fluid ounces of said combustible fluid isinjected into said combustion chamber.
 5. The incinerating commode ofclaim 1 wherein said first heat source is a gas burning torch.
 6. Theincinerating commode of claim 1 including a second heat source forheating said combustion chamber prior to the igniting of saidcombustible fluid.
 7. The incinerating commode of claim 6 wherein saidsecond heat source is an electric heat plate.
 8. An incinerating commodefor use in disposing of human waste comprising: a commode body having acommode interior; a combustion chamber in communication with saidcommode interior for receiving a fecal component of said human waste; aurine collector carried within said commode interior for receiving aurine component of said human waste; and a first heat source forincinerating said fecal component.
 9. The incinerating commode of claim8 including a first urine conduit in fluid communication with said urinecollector for communicating said urine component between said urinecollector and a urine collection chamber.
 10. An incinerating commodefor use in disposing of human waste comprising: a commode body having acommode interior; a combustion chamber in communication with saidcommode interior for receiving a fecal component of said human waste; aurine collector carried within said commode interior for receiving aurine component of said human waste; a first heat source forincinerating said fecal component; and a cooling fluid injector forinjecting a cooling fluid onto said combustion chamber for cooling saidcombustion chamber after said fecal component incineration.
 11. Theincinerating commode of claim 10 including a urine collection chamber incommunication with said cooling fluid injector for utilizing collectedurine as cooling fluid.
 12. The incinerating commode of claim 11 whereinsaid cooling fluid injector includes a plurality of spray nozzles thatare in fluid communication with said cooling liquid conduit.
 13. Anincinerating commode for use in disposing of human waste comprising: acommode body having a commode interior; combustion chamber incommunication with said commode interior for receiving a fecal componentof said human waste; a urine collector carried within said commodeinterior for receiving a urine component of said human waste; acombustible fluid housing storing a combustible fluid, a combustiblefluid injector in communication with said combustible fluid housing forinjecting said combustible fluid into said combustion chamber, firstheat source for incinerating said fecal component, and a cooling fluidinjector for injecting a cooling fluid onto said combustion chamber forcooling said combustion chamber after said fecal component incineration.14. An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human wastecomprising: a commode body having a commode interior; combustion chamberin communication with said commode interior for receiving a fecalcomponent of said human waste; a flue for delivering ash from saidcombustion chamber; a damper for regulating the airflow between saidcombustion chamber and said flue.
 15. The commode of claim 14 whereinsaid gate is autonomous in regulating the airflow between saidcombustion chamber and said flue depending on the air pressure withinsaid combustion chamber.
 16. The commode of claim 14 including a vacuumsystem which includes an odor control system having an odor controlvalve for directing air from combustion chamber to said vacuum.
 17. Thecommode of claim 16 wherein said odor control valve is disposed withinan odor control conduit wherein air is carried between said combustionchamber and said vacuum, said odor control valve regulating thecross-sectional opening of said odor control conduit such that said thecross-section of said odor control conduit is no more than 10% open whensaid fecal matter is being incinerated in said combustion chamber. 18.An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human waste comprising:a commode body having a commode interior; a combustion chamber incommunication with said commode interior for receiving a fecal componentof said human waste; a flue for communicating said combustion chamber tosaid ambient environment a vacuum interconnected with said flue; afire-proof bag carried by said vacuum; said vacuum drawing incineratedwaste through said flue into said fire-proof bag.
 19. The incineratingcommode of claim 18 includes a flue damper having a first and secondposition, when said flue damper is in said first position, saidcombustion chamber communicates with the ambient environment forventing, when said flue damper is in said second position saidcombustion chamber communicates with said vacuum enabling ash to bedrawn to said fire-proof bag.
 20. The incinerating commode of claim 19further including a ash control valve carried by an vacuum ash conduitwhich communicates said flue with said vacuum, said ash control valvehaving a first open position and a second closed position, said ashcontrol valve being in said open position when said flue damper is insaid second position, and said ash control valve being in said closedposition when said flue damper is in said first position.
 21. Theincinerating commode of claim 19 including an odor control systemincluding a vacuum odor conduit connected to said vacuum, a vacuum odorhorn communicating said vacuum odor conduit with said flue, and an odorcontrol valve disposed within said vacuum odor conduit enabling odors tobe drawn from said combustion chamber to said vacuum.